SEE IT

"Wait Until Dark" will be presented Oct. 18-20, 25-27 at All An Act Theatre, 652 W. 17th St. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. except Sundays, which are at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for students and seniors. Call 450-8553 or visit www.allanact.net.

When a doll carrying valuable contraband falls into the hands of blind housewife Susy Hendrix, she must rely on her wits and her heightened sense of hearing to help her defeat three con men determined to retrieve it in Frederick Knott's "Wait Until Dark."

This is the tense October treat that directors KC McCloskey and Larry Lewis have prepared at All An Act Theatre.

The cornerstone of the show is Jennifer L. Blair as Susy. She beautifully handles the physical challenge of believably maneuvering as though she cannot see. Throughout most of the play, she maintains a demeanor of cool self-sufficiency with just a touch of nervousness. In her most terror-stricken moment, she is scarcely visible, but her voice carries the scene as she shivers, shakes and shrieks with chilling ferocity.

Ten-year-old Footlights alum Grace Rudd brings a fiery spirit and impressive dialogue mastery to the role of Susy's young neighbor Gloria. The evolving dynamic between these two is intriguing as their spunk initially makes them a bit antagonistic before it helps them forge an alliance.

Blair also plays well opposite Dave DiCola, the crook who tries to earn her trust by posing as a friend of her husband. He brings characteristic warmth to the role-within-a-role, leaving the audience to wonder just how much of his kindness is truly an act.

DiCola stands in stark contrast to Victor Kuehn's malicious ringleader, who presents a pervasive sense of menace. Karl Seman, who completes the trio, is neither as affable as the former nor as intimidating as the latter. Jesse Billig, Wayne Gardner and Jerry Villella perform ably in smaller parts.

The beautifully designed set, furnished in part by W.C. Appliance, provides ample opportunities for obstacles, especially after the lights go out. The darkest scenes are very effective, disorienting the audience along with the intruders.

If a gory splatterfest is what you want from pre-Halloween theater, search elsewhere than this intensely performed drama. However, if you crave a splash of suspense, don't wait to see "Wait Until Dark."

SEE IT

"Wait Until Dark" will be presented Oct. 18-20, 25-27 at All An Act Theatre, 652 W. 17th St. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. except Sundays, which are at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for students and seniors. Call 450-8553 or visit www.allanact.net.